NJVOAD

06/17/2026

Help us help you! If your organization could use some volunteers, let us know! Submit a volunteer request at: http://njvoad.org/member-portal/volunteer-request-form.

(Want to volunteer instead? Visit http://helpnjnow.communityos.org)

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, before a storm arrives. Once you’re under pressure, having a written plan will take the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family. Learn more ➡ ready.gov/make-a-plan

06/16/2026

Last week, ALAN Executive Director Kathy Fulton joined moderator Melody Drummond Hansen and fellow panelists Zeke Reyna, Philip Thomas, and Jude Groves at the ITS Americas Conference in Detroit, where they donned headsets to be heard above the hall for a session on autonomous trucks in emergency response.

The group explored where AV technology fits (and where it doesn't!) when disasters strike. A few takeaways:

🚚 Commercial supply chains are just beginning to use autonomous trucks in predictable environments, and disasters are anything but.
🚚 The most practical near-term use may be away from the disaster zone itself, where conditions are clearer. But AV sensing capabilities could still play a valuable role by giving responders additional eyes on affected areas.
🚚 Getting this right will take what the panel called "the P's": Policy, Partnership, Priority, and Pilot programs - plus a healthy dose of Positivity.

Thank you to ITS Americas for bringing together this conversation, and to our fellow panelists for a thoughtful discussion on a growing topic in the industry!

06/15/2026

Big impact, big rewards. Come to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross June 1-28 and receive a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice, plus automatic entry for a chance at one of two $7.5K gift cards. Book now: https://rcblood.org/3NDDsao (T&C; other entry)

06/15/2026

It's Pet Preparedness Month! 🐾 Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. 📸Take a current photo of your pet in case you get separated during a disaster. Learn more➡ https://www.ready.gov/pets

06/12/2026

We partnered with River Crossing YMCA to host a Youth Mental Health First Aid training, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health challenges in young people.

By investing in education and early intervention, we're helping create a community where youth feel seen, supported, and connected to the resources they need to thrive. If you are interested in taking the training yourself or with your organizagtion, you can learn more here: https://www.uwhunterdon.org/mental-health

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to River Crossing YMCA for partnering with us on this important work. 💙

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

It's going to be hot the next couple of days, so be sure to stay safe in this heat! ☀️ If you need to find a cooling center, our friends at NJ 211 can help. Visit nj211.org or dial 2-1-1 to find a cooling center near you.